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The California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) is an exam administered in California public schools beginning in the tenth grade. In order to graduate, each student must pass the test. The goal of this exam is to improve academic performance in writing, reading and mathematics and to ensure that students are proficient in these subjects before they complete high school. Since this is a very important test, students must prepare properly to ensure that they are able to pass it in order to graduate after their senior year of high school.

Take a Preparation Course for the CAHSEE

As the test covers subjects that California students should be learning throughout high school, the ideal way to prepare is to pay attention, participate and work hard in the normal high school classes. However, if a student would like extra help, high schools throughout the state of California offer preparation courses for this exam that focus specifically on the topics on this exam and help students to pass it. If a student's high school does not offer a preparation course, he can contact other area high schools and discuss taking the course there because these classes are usually held after normal school hours. There are also private companies that provide preparation courses and one-on-one tutoring for students who are struggling and need a little extra help.

Practice Questions

Students should spend several weeks doing practice questions before they take the exam so they are comfortable with how the test is presented, how the test questions are asked, what format the test is in and the types of questions they can expect to see on the real test. To simulate the real testing experience, students can use a number two pencil, time each section as they are timed for the real test and not use any outside resources as they complete the practice questions. Once weaknesses are identified, by seeing which questions were difficult or answered incorrectly, the student can concentrate on these areas when studying.

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Set Aside Study Time

Several weeks before this exam will be administered, students should start studying in earnest, making sure that they have a little time each day to review. It is ideal to study for no more than 45 minutes to an hour because this is a short burst that will not burn students out. After all, they will still need to complete other homework assignments and study for other exams, as well. Students should focus on all areas of the test until they take a practice test and identify their weaknesses, after which they should focus on those areas of study. When studying, they should do so in a quiet place that is well lit and allows plenty of space and comfort to ensure that there are no distractions or interruptions.

Ask For Help

This is not an easy exam. If a student is struggling with any of the topics that will be on the test, she should seek help so that she can develop a solid understanding before the test. A good place to find help is from the teachers that teach the subjects that the student is struggling with, so it can be helpful to speak with a math teacher for math help or an English teacher for help with reading and writing. Students may also want to get help from their peers and form study groups to ensure that all the students know the information that will be presented on the test.

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About the Author

Suzy Kerr graduated from Grady School of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Georgia. She completed her Master's degree in Nutrition Sciences, also at the University of Georgia. Suzy has been a successful health, fitness and nutrition writer for more than 10 years, and has been published in various print and online publications.